Ignite College Discipleship

One of the biggest blessings for me this summer has been regular attendance at my home church, Calvary Memorial in Oak Park. It was literally the weekend I moved back to school last August when Calvary called its new senior pastor, Dr. Todd Wilson. I had heard him preach when I was home from school on various breaks, but this current summer vacation was the first extended period in which I could listen to his preaching regularly. I have really enjoyed being back at Calvary for these three and a half months.

During the past school year, Calvary instituted a new ministry for the college students in its congregation, called Ignite College Discipleship. At first, one might think that this “college ministry” focused on students attending Calvary during the school year, but Calvary’s college ministry instead focuses on the college students who call Calvary their home church.

The program consists of Sunday morning Sunday school, Wednesday night discussions (seminar-style), and occasional social events. During our Sunday morning meetings, we have studied the Gospel of John, closely examining what it means to be a disciple of Christ – rather than just a Christian. We have not had time for every chapter, but we have gone through at least half a dozen, including Chapter 3 (the concept of being born again), Chapter 10 (the Good Shepherd), and Chapter 14 (Jesus as the only Way to the Father). Wednesday nights have been discussions of the practical manifestation of that Sunday’s topic (e.g., prayer, entertainment). My work schedule has unfortunately kept me from the majority of the Wednesday evening meetings, but I have had perfect attendance on Sunday mornings.

And Ignite has an excellent leader. Aaron Reyes is a Wheaton alumnus (so of course I give him extra points for that) who has given a lot of his time this summer leading our study of John. His passion for becoming like Christ is evident in each of our meetings.

We have just one more Sunday morning meeting this weekend, in which we will finish our study of John. I am looking forward to it. As I have written before, I have spent my entire summer at home, but I have found my three and a half months in Oak Park immensely refreshing, and Ignite has been one of the most refreshing parts of my summer.

This is Rubio, over and out.